Funding to boost wellbeing of NHS workers in face of mounting winter pressures

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12 November 2025

An NHS staff member comforting a colleague

The NHS is entering what is predicted to be the busiest winter period on record for A&Es and ambulance services (1). Alongside NHS England, we have today announced £2.4 million in funding as part of an £11 million programme to help bolster crucial mental and physical wellbeing support for NHS staff.

Nearly half (47%) of NHS staff reporting that their job is affecting their mental health, and 41% their physical health (2). The need for targeted, sustainable support has never been greater. The grants form part of an £11 million Workforce Wellbeing Programme and will fund 29 projects across England. These projects aim to transform the way NHS workers are supported to improve their wellbeing both inside and outside of the workplace.

From innovative wellbeing solutions for night workers, to neurodiversity tools and improved trauma support - each of the projects receiving funding today have been designed after engaging with staff across the NHS to understand what they need.

Ellie Orton, CEO, NHS Charities Together, said:

“Many NHS staff feel that theirs is the best job in the world, but these roles come with a tremendous responsibility for the lives they care for, and at a time of incredible pressure on health services, this takes a toll on their mental and physical wellbeing.

“In the face of so many healthcare challenges it’s easy to forget about healthcare staff, but it goes without saying that we need a healthy workforce if we want a thriving NHS that can give patients the care they need.

“This funding means NHS charities can help ensure NHS staff prioritise their own health and wellness with the same care they give to patients. We’ve spent a lot of time talking to frontline staff and analysing evidence from previous projects to arrive at solutions that will give healthcare staff the right tools to look after their own wellbeing.

"The new 10 Year Health Plan for England is an opportunity to reimagine care and it is vital that the workforce, who are at the heart of delivering this, are fully supported in their roles. The NHS can't tackle these challenges alone, so NHS Charities also have a role to play in reaching and improving wellbeing for all staff - our aim is to share insights of what works and help scale these interventions to transform how NHS staff are supported in future."

Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said:

"NHS staff make a difference to people's lives and their communities every single day, often working under great pressure and in challenging environments, as we expect to see this winter – so it’s vital that we support their health and wellbeing. This new programme will trial the latest innovation to help address some of the biggest challenges that staff say affect their working lives – from specialist tools and support during night shifts to greater support after trauma or for those who are neurodivergent.”

Project Night-Owl

Many of the projects receiving grants have been designed in response to specific needs or challenges highlighted by NHS workers.

Staff emphasised the importance of moving away from a focus on crisis management when it comes to mental and physical health issues. The alternative being to prioritise a more proactive approach with holistic wellbeing support, early mental health intervention and reduced stigma around seeking help. They also identified the right line management culture and leadership to understand and support teams' mental and physical wellbeing as being key.

One wellbeing initiative that sets out to achieve this is Project Night-Owl at St George’s Hospital in London. It aims to tackle the specific challenges faced by night shift workers through access to a digital sleep tool, health MOT’s during night shifts, mental health first aid support, and rest space upgrades. The project will also introduce 50 trained Night-Owl Champions to lead peer support and drive cultural change.

Dr Sarah Jolly, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at St George’s NHS Trust, regularly works night shifts at the hospital. She said:

"Working night shifts can be tough — physically, mentally, and emotionally. It takes a real toll, and it's something many people don’t see. That’s why this funding from NHS Charities Together and NHS England means so much. It gives us the chance to improve the night shift experience in ways that really matter. Whether it’s better lighting, quiet spaces to rest, or smarter shift patterns that work with our natural body clocks, small changes can make a big difference. Every team is different, so having the flexibility to create solutions that fit our needs is key. I’m hopeful this project will help us feel more supported and stay healthier while doing the job we love."

Davina Metters, Director of Fundraising and Communications at St George’s Hospital Charity added:

“At St George’s Hospital Charity we’re so grateful to NHS Charities Together and NHS England for recognising the vital contribution of our night-working colleagues and supporting Project Night Owl. This grant means we can address the specific wellbeing needs of those who keep our hospitals running through the night through three work strands: provision of support, accessible self-care resources and improvement to the hospital environment. Together with our NHS Trust Health and Wellbeing team, we’re creating something truly transformative – not just for St George’s staff, but for night workers across the NHS.”